Related Stories

By Stefan Coerts

The 61-year-old has stated that the reigning European and world champions are having a hard time occasionally, and added that he is nearing the end of his coaching career

Vicente del Bosque has admitted that it is becoming increasingly difficult for Spain to keep up its impressive performances as its opponents are all well aware of la Roja's style of play.

The Spaniards have dominated international football in recent years with consecutive European Championship victories, while also winning the World Cup in between, and Del Bosque has stressed they must keep believing in themselves in order to prolong their successful streak.

"Of course, it’s getting harder all the time. All our opponents know us very well and already know exactly how we play," Del Bosque told FIFA.com.

"The most important thing is that we believe in what we’re doing, and that the players are patient enough to break down any defensive system. We can’t go thinking we need to win every game in the first 10 minutes."

The veteran coach then went on to discuss his future, and once more stated that he's likely to say farewell to the game once his Spain contract runs out.

"I’m 61 now and I’ve got little more than a year here before my work with the national team comes to an end," he revealed. "It’d be very difficult [to take on a club role] after this, as I honestly don’t see myself still coaching at 70 (laughs). That’s why I’ll most likely call it a day after this."

Del Bosque enjoyed spells in charge of Real Madrid and Besiktas before taking over as Spain coach in 2008.